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LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. 


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J UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. J 













A 


CONGRESS OF NATIONS 


FOR. THE 

t 




OF 

NATIONAL DIFFERENCES. 


BY A FRIEND OF PEACE. 

i 


The work of righteousness shall be peace. —Isa. xxxii, 17. 





RICHMOND: 

PRINTED BY J. MACFARLAN. 



1832 . 










TO THE 

FRIENDS OF PEACE, 
and particularly to the 

AMERICAN PEACE SOCIETY, 

the following Essay is respectfully inscribed by 


THE AUTHOR. 


A 


CONGRESS OF NATIONS 

For the amicable adjustment of 

NATIONAL ‘DIFFERENCES. 


The professed followers of Jesus Christ have always 
been extremely prone to depart from the simplicity of 
the Gospel. They appear to be afraid to trust them¬ 
selves wholly in the hands of Him who has all power in 
heaven and earth, and has promised never to leave nor 
forsake them. Their confidence is placed, partly in 
their own worldly wisdom, and partly in the power and 
faithfulness of God. And while they professedly re¬ 
ceive the word of God as the only rule of life, they do, 
in some important cases, so modify their interpretation 
of it by the customs and maxims of a world lying in 
wickedness, that they actually follow the dictates of a 
depraved heart. 

A striking illustration of these remarks may be seen 
in the sentiments and practice of almost the whole Chris¬ 
tian world in relation to war and fighting. The rule 
which has been adopted by Pagans, Mahometans and 
Christians on this subject, is, to do to others , as others 
do to them! Little more has yet been accomplished 
under the light of the Gospel, than the establishment of 
certain rules, called Laws of Nations, by which the 
commencement and progress of hostilities are to be 
regulated. Nothing has been necessary to enlist almost 
every Christian’s heart in any war, but the persuasion that 
it was just, or in self-defence. 


4 


It will be my object in the following Essay, to expose 
the wickedness and folly of the present mode of settling 
national disputes, and to point out “a more excellent 
way.” 

I. The decision of disputes by violence and fighting, 
is in direct opposition, not only to the spirit of the Gos¬ 
pel, but to the revealed laws of Christ’s kingdom. 

The laws of his kingdom do not contain one section 
requiring, or regulating violent measures. We search 
the whole code in vain for one word on this subject. If 
it had been his design that such measures should be re¬ 
sorted to in some cases, he would doubtless have given 
special directions concerning them. The propensity of 
all men “ to think of themselves more highly than they 
ought to think,” renders it of the utmost importance 
that they should have some definite and authoritative 
rules for the regulation of their conduct on this subject. 
But still, although he foresaw and predicted that every 
form of persecution awaited his people, he has left them 
neither example nor precept to guide them in the use of 
violent measures. 

If Christ had defended himself when assaulted, as he 
was perfectly able to do, the whole plan of redemption 
would have failed, and all the human race must have 
gone down to perdition. It was inconsistent with his 
character as a holy being, to commit suicide ; and with¬ 
out his death there could be no remission of sins. If 
any being ever suffered of men unjustly, that being was 
Jesus Christ. But follow him through all the wanton 
cruelty and violence of his enemies, and we do not find 
one act of self-defence, one threat of vengeance, or one 
unkind expression. He even healed the wound inflict¬ 
ed in his defence, and breathed out his soul in prayer 
for his murderers. 

Jesus Christ has left us an example that we should 
follow his steps. The apostle speaks of his meekness 
and forbearance under unjust suffering, as that trait in 
his character which is worthy of special imitation; And 


5 


the reason given by our Saviour himself why men should 
learn of him, is, “ for I am meek and loivly in heart.” 
It is also in reference to the same trait of character, that 
Paul says, “Let this mind be in you, which was also in 
Christ .” And he is held up to view throughout the 
New Testament, as that perfect pattern, to which our 
lives are to be conformed. His character embraced 
all the gentle virtues, such as humility, meekness, resig¬ 
nation, long-suffering, patience, forgiveness, kindness and 
love. But we find in it none of the heroic virtues, such 
as the world admires. The former are productive of 
happiness; the latter, of misery. 

The apostles followed the example of their Divine 
Master in this respect. They exhibited the same pa¬ 
tience, and meekness, and forbearance, under the most 
cruel and wanton persecutions. Although they were 
“in stripes above measure, in prisons, in tumults,” and, 
with one exception, brought to a violent death, yet no 
one defended himself from the unjust violence of his 
enemies. They all pursued their labor of love, in imi¬ 
tation of their Divine Master, without any attempt at 
self-defence or retaliation. Stephen, when stoned to 
death for his good deeds, followed his master even in 
his prayer for his murderers. 

The laws of Christ’s kingdom are in perfect accord¬ 
ance with his example and that of his apostles. “Love 
your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them 
that hate you, and pray for them that despitefully use you 
and persecute you.” “ If thine enemy hunger, feed him; 
if he thirst, give him drink.” “ Resist not evil; whosoever 
shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other 
also.” The first law of his kingdom is supreme love to 
God; and the second is like unto it, “ Thou shalt love thy 
neighbour as thyself.” “ Love worketh no ill to his neigh¬ 
bour; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.” Such is 
the whole spirit of the New Testament. And if ye love 
me, says our Saviour, keep my commandments. 

The kingdom of Jesus Christ is a kingdom oipeace. 

1 * 


6 


He is emphatically styled the “ Prince of peace;” and 
of the increase of his government and peace there shall 
be no end. His birth was celebrated by a multitude of 
the heavenly host, praising God, and saying, “ Glory to 
God in the highest, and on earth peace , good will to¬ 
ward men.” The Gospel is appropriately called the 
“Gospel of peace.” The kingdom of God is righteous¬ 
ness, and peace , and joy in the Holy Ghost; and the 
fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace , long-suffering, gen¬ 
tleness. So it was predicted by the prophet, that “the 
work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of 
righteousness, quietness and assurance forever.” And 
the Psalmist foresaw that when the righteous should 
flourish under Messiah’s reign, there would be abun¬ 
dance of peace so long as the moon endureth. 

This peace of the Gospel is a universal peace. It is 
not only peace with God, and with our own consciences, 
but it is peace with our fellow-men. Christians are com¬ 
manded to be at peace among themselves; and it is only 
when they are of one mind , and live in peace , that they 
have the promise, that the God of love and peace shall 
be with them. They are not permitted to offer their gift 
upon the altar—to present their prayers to God—while 
a brother has aught against them; nor do we find that 
any permission is given them to scatter fire-brands, ar¬ 
rows, and death among their brethren, in sport , or to 
secure the honor which cometh from a wicked world. 
The fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that 
make peace; and our Saviour has pronounced a bless¬ 
ing on “ peace-makers , for they shall be called the chil¬ 
dren of God.” 

The laws of Christ’s kingdom are binding, not upon 
his disciples only , but upon all to whom they are an¬ 
nounced. No one is exempt from the obligation to 
obey them, because he does not choose to acknowledge 
the authority of Christ. All power is given to him in 
heaven and earth. His authority is supreme and uni¬ 
versal, as well over his enemies, as his friends. “ Kiss 


7 


the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, 
when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they 
that put their trust in him.” “For we must all appear 
before the judgment seat of Christ.” “The Father 
judgeth no man; but hath committed all judgment un¬ 
to the Son; that all men should honor the Son, even as 
they honor the Father .” At the name of Jesus every 
knee shall bow, and every tongue shall confess that he 
is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. His enemies 
who will not have him to reign over them, are to be 
brought and slain before him. “ Be wise now therefore, 
O ye kings ; and be instructed, ye judges of the earth . 
Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling.” 
It is evident from these, and numerous other passages 
of Scripture, particularly the account given of the ge¬ 
neral judgment in the twenty-fifth chapter of Matthew, 
that whatsoever things Jesus Christ requires of his dis¬ 
ciples, he requires the very same of his enemies, and 
that under pain of eternal punishment. 

Nor is the obligation of men to obey the laws of 
Christ, limited to any one relation or capacity; but ex¬ 
tends to every relation which they can sustain to each 
other. When they form themselves into societies, com¬ 
munities and nations, their obligations extend to these 
capacities. The laws of nations are based upon this 
fact. “A nation,” says Vattel, “deliberates and takes 
resolutions in common, and thus becomes a moral per¬ 
son , and is susceptible of obligations and laws.” This 
susceptibility of obligation is recognized and acted upon 
in all treaties between nations. Without it, they would 
be a dead letter. And we are told by the writer just 
quoted, that “ the superiors intrusted with the public af¬ 
fairs, should constantly propose to deserve the approba¬ 
tion of their Divine Master, and whatever they do in 
the name of the state, ought to be regulated by this 
grand view.” Here we are taught that nations have a 
moral Governor and Law-giver, whom they ought to 
obey, and that the official acts of rulers should be con- 


8 


formed to his laws. The same truth is repeatedly 
taught us in the word of God, and is often exhibited in 
tiie course of his providence. “ Blessed is the nation 
whose God is the Lord . 11 “ The nation and kingdom 
that will not serve thee , shall perish; yea , those nations 
shall be utterly wasted 11 u Righteousness exalteth a 
nation, but sin is a reproach to any people . 11 “ When 
the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; but 
when the wicked bear rule, the people mourn 11 And 
the history of the world leaves us without a doubt,, that 
God does usually punish national sins with national ca¬ 
lamities. It is then the doctrine of his word, confirm¬ 
ed by his providence, and recognized in international 
law, that God is the moral governor of nations, as well 
as of individuals. 

He must of course have given them laws. But where 
are those laws to be found ? There is the book of na¬ 
ture, and the book of revelation. But we look in vain 
into either for one code of laws for man in his individ¬ 
ual, and another in his associated capacity. Is the law 
of God, which says, “ Thou shalt not steal , 11 limited to 
individual theft? Suppose a number of persons, no 
matter how many, should associate together and steal, 
would not this be a violation of the law? So if a nation 
should by a united act abolish the Sabbath, would that 

V _ ' 

be no violation of the command, “ Remember the Sab¬ 
bath-day, to keep it holy V 1 And so of idolatry, or of 
any other command in the Bible. We conclude then 
that every national rejection or disregard of the laws of 
God, is an act of rebellion against the Supreme Law¬ 
giver , and that the example of Christ is to be imitated, 
and the laws of his kingdom are to be obeyed by “ kings 
and all in authority” in their official, as well as in their 
private acts. The principles laid down in the New Tes¬ 
tament for the regulation of our conduct to our neigh¬ 
bours, and our enemies, are as applicable to nations as 
to individuals, and in all cases of indispensable obliga¬ 
tion. 


9 


Will it be said that it would be impossible to carry 
out these principles into practice—that they would lead 
to the extermination of those who adopt them—that self- 
defence is essential to the preservation of life, liberty, and 
happiness, to the very end of our creation? This we 
know has been taken for granted by most persons who 
profess entire subjection to the laws of Messiah’s king¬ 
dom. They have acted upon this principle in their pri¬ 
vate and public character. But this is practically de¬ 
claring that the requisitions of the Gospel are not suited 
to the nature and condition of man—that either Jesus 
Christ was an imposter, or God has denied himself! 
Does any Christian really believe that the providence of 
God stands in the way of obedience to his word? Does 
he not know that the kingdom of providence is subser¬ 
vient to the kingdom of grace; and that we shall be 
tried by the word of God, and not by our views of 
expediency, when we stand before the judgment seat 
of Christ? If men would regulate their conduct by the 
plain directions of the Bible, and leave to God the con¬ 
sequences, of which they know but little, they would 
avoid much sin and much needless anxiety. 

Let it be remembered that the life, and freedom, and 
happiness of men are the gifts of God, and are to be sus¬ 
tained only by his power. And when is that power 
more likely to be exerted in their behalf, than when their 
lives correspond with the requisitions of his holy word? 
The foolishness of God is wiser than men; and he 
has chosen the weak things of the world to confound the 
mighty. The wrath of men is under his control, and 
shall advance his purposes of love and mercy. It was 
while the example and the laws of Christ were literally 
obeyed by the apostles and their immediate successors 
without regard to consequences, that the word of God 
had free course and was glorified, and the greatest tri¬ 
umphs of the Gospel were witnessed. “ They that trust 
in the Lord, shall be as mount Zion.” “As the moun¬ 
tains are round about Jerusalem, so the Lord is round 


10 


about his people from henceforth even forever.” And 
well might the apostle triumphantly exclaim, “ If God 
he for us , who can be against us ”? 

And even if obedience should lead to death, what is 
life in comparison with obedience to God ? It is at best 
only a vapour, which appeareth for a little time, and 
then vanisheth away. He that will not renounce all, 
even life itself, when it comes in competition with the 
commands of Christ, is not worthy to be his disciple. 
The sacrifice of life for the salvation of men, was the 
very thing which brought our Saviour from heaven to 
earth; and he requires us to love one another, even as 
he loved us ; or, as an apostle expresses it, “we ought 
to lay down our lives for the brethren .” 

But does not the Old Testament justify wars in cer¬ 
tain cases? Were not the chosen people of God a war¬ 
like nation; and did not David, a man after God’s own 
heart, slay his tens of thousands? The Israelites con¬ 
quered the land of Canaan. This example is in favor 
of offensive wars, which all admit are unjustifiable. All 
the wars of the Israelites were undertaken by the spe¬ 
cial direction of God, who has a right to do what he 
will with his own. We have no such direction; but 
many plain and express commands to the contrary, en¬ 
forced by the example of Christ and his apostles. The 
Bible is our only rule of life; and what is clearly re¬ 
vealed and enforced in the New Testament, is not to be 
set aside or explained away by any thing more obscurely 
revealed in the Old. 

Does the Gospel then provide no means of relief from 
that tyranny and oppression, under which so large a por¬ 
tion of the human race now groan ? It certainly does. 
Its provisions are perfectly adapted to that very end; 
and in proportion as it is obeyed it will produce that ef¬ 
fect. Not however by exciting the oppressed to rebel 
against their oppressors, and assert their rights by force. 
This is opposed to its whole spirit, its plain precepts, 
and its inspired examples. It says to the oppressed, 


11 


1 If, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it pa¬ 
tiently, this is acceptable with God” But it commands 
their oppressors, with all the authority of the Most High, 
to do justly, and love mercy—to do to others as they 
would that others should do to them. And it carries in 
itself a moral power, which is fully adequate to reach 
the oppressor’s heart, and break his rod of iron. But 
it is only the Gospel in its original purity and simplicity, 
as it shone in the example of Christ and his apostles, 
which is invested with this irresistible energy. Its whole 
spirit is love; and it is only when its professors exhibit 
this in their lives, that it moves on “ conquering and to 
conquer.” So our Saviour prayed for Christians, “ That 
they all may be one ; as thou, Father, art in me, and I 
in thee, that they also may be one in us ;” and for what 

purpose? “ THAT THE WORLD MAY BELIEVE THAT THOU 

hast sent me.” It is the exhibition of love, the very 
spirit of heaven, in the lives of its professors, which is 
to convince the world of the divine origin of the Gos¬ 
pel, and restore the oppressed to the enjoyment of their 
rights. 

We know from the prophecies of the Old Testament, 
that the principles here advocated, shall prevail and be¬ 
come universal. When Zion shall arise and shine, 
the gentiles shall come to her light, and kings to the 
brightness of her rising. Then violence shall no more 
be heard in her land, wasting nor destruction within her 
borders. The earth shall be full of the knowledge of 
the Lord; and therefore they shall not hurt nor destroy 
in all my holy mountain. When the God of Jacob shall 
teach many people his ways, and they shall walk in his 
paths, come fully up to the requisitions of the Gospel, 
then they shall beat their swords into plough-shares, and 
their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up 
sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any 
more. How beautifully • the predictions of the Old 
Testament, and the precepts of the New, harmonize 
with each bther! It is by obedience to the latter, that 
the former are to be fulfilled. 


12 


II. The decision of national disputes by war and fight¬ 
ing, does not , and from the very nature of the case, can¬ 
not secure justice between nations. This practice pre¬ 
supposes that might makes right—that power and jus¬ 
tice are commonly united—a proposition too absurd 
to be seriously advocated by any intelligent being. What 
court of justice ever thought of deciding causes by the 
bodily strength or size of the parties ? The natural ten¬ 
dency of power in man, is to foster pride and ambition— 
those very lusts to which the apostle ascribes wars and 
fightings. It is evident then, that justice will be most 
frequently on the side of the weaker party; and conse¬ 
quently cannot ordinarily be obtained by force without 
an interposition of Providence. And it certainly can¬ 
not be expected that God will interpose in favor of 
those who violate the plain precepts of his word. Al¬ 
though he is the moral governor of nations, and punishes 
national sins with national calamities, yet he does not or¬ 
dinarily do it by awarding justice between them as the 
result of wars. He often employs one wicked nation 
to punish another; and then scourges that in its turn. 
The punishment is sometimes direct, but more frequent¬ 
ly follows the crime by way of natural consequence. 
All history testifies to the fact, that justice is seldom ob¬ 
tained by violence. The avowed object of war is not 
often obtained by either party ; while mutual suffering 
and destruction are the usual consequence. 

This result is plainly and repeatedly declared in the 
New Testament. If any man ever fought on the side 
of justice, Peter did it in defence of his master; yet 
our Saviour said to him, “ Put up again thy sword into 
its place; for all they that take the sword , shall perish 
with the sword f that is, the providence of God will not 
be changed for the protection of those who take the 
sword even in support of a just cause. There is no 
reason to believe that this prohibition is limited to re¬ 
ligious wars; for the reason assigned is equally applica¬ 
ble to wars of every description. This prediction of 


13 


mutual destruction is fulfilled in all private and public 
fighting. “If ye bite and devour one another,” says an 
apostle, “ take heed that ye be not consumed one of an¬ 
other.” This admonition is also universal in its appli¬ 
cation. “ He that leadeth into captivity, shall go into 
captivity; he that killeth with the sword, must be killed 
with the sword.” And the fact, as stated by another 
apostle, corresponds with these predictions; “ Ye kill, 
and desire to have, and cannot obtain; ye fight and 
war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not.” “Wisdom’s 
ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are 
peace ;” of course, the paths of war are paths of folly. 
Thus we learn from the word of God, as well as from 
the dispensations of his providence, that violent mea¬ 
sures tend not to the establishment of justice and safety, 
but to mutual destruction and death. 

III. It is not in the power of man to describe, or even 
conceive the miseries which war has brought upon our 
race. The history of the world is a history of war and 
destruction of human life ; so that a distinguished wri¬ 
ter has declared war to be the natural state of man. 
We have scarcely a history of any nation in Christendom, 
which contains more than an occasional chapter on the 
arts of peace—on the improvement of the intellectual and 
moral powers—on the progress of the people in any¬ 
thing which contributes to the happiness of men; while 
almost the whole is occupied with descriptions of the 
origin, the progress, and the desolations of wars. The 
most civilized and enlightened nations of Europe have 
passed about one half the period of their existence in 
actual war, and have directed their principal energies 
and resources to increase the miseries and destroy the 
lives of the human race. The military science is the 
most popular and favored one in every nation; and is 
the only science that is directly patronized by our ge¬ 
neral government. The military and naval professions 
are esteemed so honorable as to impose even upon Chris¬ 
tian nations a law of honor in opposition to the law of 

2 


14 


God. The fortifications and military and naval esta¬ 
blishments are objects of immense expenditure. Two 
departments of our government, and a large portion of 
the expenses of legislation in all countries, even in time 
of peace, are devoted to war. The national debt of 
Great Britain, amounting to eight hundred millions ster¬ 
ling, and our own, which near twenty years of peace 
and prosperity have not cancelled, are the result of wars. 
More lives have been destroyed by wars, than by all 
the other scourges of divine Providence combined. 
They have swept more persons from the earth since the 
Christian era, than have embraced the Gospel. The 
present population of Europe would hardly supply the 
places of those whom war has numbered with the dead. 
One nation in that quarter of the globe has wasted more 
property in war, than has ever been expended by the 
whole world in objects of benevolent enterprise. Twenty 
year’s war in modern Europe has cost more money and 
destroyed more property, than would be required to 
supply the whole world with Bibles, and preachers, and 
sabbath schools, and all the institutions of the Gospel. 
Even one short war has cost this nation more than one 
hundred times as much as the diffusion of civilization 
and Christianity through the Sandwich islands. 

But the demoralizing effects of war are, if possible, 
still more disastrous than the sacrifice of life and pro¬ 
perty. The family circle was appointed by Infinite 
Wisdom as a nursery of all those principles which as¬ 
similate man to his Creator. It is one important means 
of Jehovah for raising up a godly seed in the earth. But 
war interferes with this wise arrangement, by depriving 
the little society of its ruler, guide, and instructor; it 
places him in a school of vice, where evil men and se¬ 
ducers wax worse and worse; it hardens his heart by 
familiarity with danger, and cruelty, and blood ; it blunts 
his moral sensibility and the power of conscience; and 
if life is spared, he returns perhaps to hasten that down¬ 
ward course of his children which had commenced in 


15 


his absence. Thus many families are corrupted and 
ruined. Nor does the evil stop here. The Spirit of God 
deserts a nation that is engaged in violating the plain 
precepts of his word. He delights in peace and love; 
and is grieved away hy strife , and confusion , and every 
evil work. The Sabbath also, without which religion 
and morality soon languish and die, is desecrated by a 
nation engaged in war. Thus one violation of God’s 
law, leads to another; and a general corruption of prin¬ 
ciple and of morals, is the natural consequence. Hence 
we find that war always checks the prosperity of religion, 
and fills the land with infidelity and vice. 

We have seen that all the evils of war, of which the 
above is but a very faint description, are incurred in 
violation of the revealed laws of Jehovah. If there is 
any thing clearly exhibited in the New Testament, it is 
the example and the precepts of Christ and his apostles 
in opposition to violence and retaliation. If we are not 
there taught repeatedly, clearly, in every form of ex¬ 
pression, by precept, and by example, to resist not evil, 
to overcome evil with good, to love our enemies and do 
them good— the very reverse of tear —then it is not pos¬ 
sible to learn any duty from the Scriptures; for no other 
is more frequently or more clearly revealed. And the 
complicated miseries which result from war, are a plain 
manifestation of God’s displeasure against it. The pre¬ 
cepts of his word are here powerfully enforced by the 
dispensations of his providence. It is a prominent char¬ 
acteristic of all his law T s, that they are not only holy 
and just, but good —promotive of the happiness of those 
for whom they were enacted. It is not obedience, but 
violation of them, which spreads destruction, misery, and 
vice through the earth. 

IV. National differences may he amicably adjusted by 
a Congress of Nations, or Supreme Court of the 
civilized world. Every nation should be equally repre¬ 
sented. The tribunal being the most important and 
honorable one in the world, would consist of the most 


16 


accomplished civilians, who look to no higher office, and 
whose characters would give weight to their decisions- 
Its jurisdiction should extend to all the nations repre¬ 
sented; and it should be the final arbiter in all cases* 
where national disputes are not amicably adjusted be¬ 
tween the parties. 

A tribunal thus constituted, would be impartial. Ev¬ 
ery nation, in deciding the question of peace or war for 
itself, decides on its own case , and is an interested , and 
consequently a partial judge. Both parties profess to 
be governed by the principles of justice; and both at¬ 
tempt to justify their conduct by the laws of nations, 
in the proposed Congress of Nations, this absurdity of 
uniting the party and the judge, would be avoided. 
This court would consist of the representatives of so 
many nations, that a large majority would be disinter¬ 
ested in any controversy that might arise, and not like¬ 
ly to unite in any bias for, or against either of the par¬ 
ties. 

Such a tribunal would be competent to a* right decis¬ 
ion of national controversies. It would be to the com¬ 
munity of nations what the Supreme Court is to any one 
nation. Composed of the most learned and distinguish¬ 
ed civilians in the world, it would combine all the ad¬ 
vantages for a right decision which it is possible for men 
to possess. The weakest nation would come to this 
court on an equality with the most powerful. The ab¬ 
surdity of measuring justice by power, which now de¬ 
cides so many national differences, would be avoided ; 
and justice would be obtained much more frequently 
than by the present mode. 

This mode of terminating national disputes, would 
be economical. The expense of our representation 
would not exceed the amount of the whisky con¬ 
sumed in our army in time of peace, which in 1830 
was twenty thousand dollars. It would save us the 
annual expenditure of one hundred thousand dollars 
to pay an army, and nine hundred thousand dollars 


17 


to arm and equip them; and it would save the employ¬ 
ment of an unproductive capital of twelve and a half 
millions in their sendee; besides an immense expendi¬ 
ture for fortifications aqd other preparations for defence, 
and the inconceivable destruction of life and property in 
actual war. If the whole amount thus expended in vi¬ 
olating the plain commands of Jehovah, and bringing 
down his displeasure upon the nations, were devoted to 
the literary, moral, and religious improvement of the 
people, the earth would soon be converted into a para¬ 
dise. 

This congress could examine and decide upon any 
case at once without waiting for instructions from a dis¬ 
tance. Much time is now wasted in fruitless negocia- 
tions, during which the people are held in suspense, their 
business deranged, and the worst feelings of the human 
heart excited. The amicable and speedy adjustment 
of national differences by a tribunal commanding the 
confidence of all parties, would greatly allay that spirit 
of jealousy and ill-will which so extensively prevails be¬ 
tween the people of different countries, and promote in 
its place a feeling of love and friendship, more favora¬ 
ble to intellectual and moral improvement and the dif¬ 
fusion of Christianity in the world. 

The decision of national differences by such a con¬ 
gress, would not interfere with the proper sovereignty or 
independence of nations. Such differences are often 
referred to an individual umpire, who is much less quali¬ 
fied to render an impartial and just sentence. It would 
be only the voluntary surrender of one right, for the pur¬ 
pose of securing others of greater value,—an expedient 
often resorted to in the friendly settlement of national 
disputes. And the almost certain attainment of justice 
in an expeditious, cheap, and friendly manner, is infi¬ 
nitely more important than the right to seek it through 
all the uncertain vicissitudes of war; especially since in 
most cases its possession, if obtained, would not com¬ 
pensate for the cost of obtaining it by force. 


18 


This mode of settling national disputes, accords with 
the spirit and precepts of Christianity, and with all the 
predictions of the Bible respecting the universal reign 
of peace. As certain as those precepts shall be obeyed, 
and those predictions fulfilled, some such tribunal will 
be established; for between it and war there is no alter¬ 
native. We have no reason for believing that, during 
the millennium, men will be so perfect as to render civil 
government and courts of justice unnecessary, or that 
differences of opinion will not arise between the govern¬ 
ments of different nations. We have seen that wars are 
not more hostile to the happiness of men, than they are 
to the laws of Messiah’s kingdom. But this kingdom 
shall extend from sea to sea, and from the river to the 
ends of the earth; and the nations shall learn war no 
more. Our Divine Master has made love to the brethren 
the grand test of discipleship, and good works to his 
friends the measure of the reward which he will bestow 
on the righteous in heaven. Now love worketh no ill 
to his neighbor of any nation. Luke x, 36. Butin 
war CHRISTIAN MEETS, AND MANGLES, 
AND SLAYS HIS FELLOW CHRISTIAN, whom 
he is commanded to love; and this he does even when 
he knows that he is fighting in support of injustice / 
And “ inasmuch,” says our Saviour, “ as ye have done it 
unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done 
it unto me.” For if the good is done unto him, so is 
the evil. And thus he is crucified afresh, and wounded 
in the house of his friends. Yet this is the inevitable 
consequence of admitting that some wars are justifiable. 
While no sovereign wall maintain that an unjust war is 
right, every one looks upon his own cause as just. 

The settlement of national differences by such a tri¬ 
bunal, is practicable. All that is necessary to enforce 
its decisions, is correct public sentiment. The Supreme 
Court of the United States may be referred to in illus¬ 
tration and proof of this remark. How are its decisions 
carried into effect against its own nation as a party ^ 


19 


Simply by the power of public opinion. If a case be¬ 
tween an individual and the U. States, were decided 
against the latter, there is no other power on earth to en¬ 
force the decision. But where the people are deeply 
impressed with the superior advantages of living under 
a government of laws, instead of force, judicial deci¬ 
sions require no other power to ensure their execution. 
We have seen near two millions free and brave people 
submit quietly, in time of high excitement, to a judicial 
sentence, which three fourths of them considered unjust. 
They wisely judged that a government of laws, though 
imperfectly and even unjustly administered, is infinitely 
preferable to anarchy, or a government of physical force. 
The establishment of a supreme tribunal implies a sur¬ 
render of the right of appealing from its decisions; and 
such an appeal would be a breach of national faith, which 
would be dishonorable in view of the civilized world, 
and which no sovereign will hazard in opposition to pub¬ 
lic sentiment among his people. So powerful is public 
opinion in executing the laws of nations with all their im- 
perfec ions, that a nation seldom goes to war without a 
labored attempt to justify it by those laws. And the 
opinion of an individual umpire between two nations, 
even when he is not constituted a final judge, is greatly 
respected, and usually submitted to as final. There is 
reason to believe, therefore, that the decision of a court 
possessing vastly greater advantages for an impartial and 
correct judgment, and which had been acknowledged as 
a supreme tribunal, would seldom or never be appealed 
from by any nation there represented. 

But what shall be done to correct public sentiment on 
the subject of war, so that it shall demand the establish¬ 
ment of such a tribunal, and sustain its decisions? The 
truth must he brought into Jrequent contact with the 'pub¬ 
lic mind. The friends of peace must press the subject 
continually upon the attention of the public, and must 
discuss it upon Christian principles. The continuance 
of war is not owing so much to any deliberate judgment 


20 


in its favor, as to a perversion of public feeling growing 
out of early associations. Children have been taught 
from their infancy, to admire deeds of bravery, and to 
thirst after military glory. This feeling, encouraged in 
the nursery, is cherished by the lessons of the common 
school, and confirmed by all the studies of a polite edu¬ 
cation. Our classical literature, the Latin, Greek, and 
French authors read in our academies and colleges, our 
poetry, novels, and histories, all familiarize the youthful 
mind with war, and crown the destroyer with honor and 
glory. We have been accustomed also from our child¬ 
hood to hear speeches and orations in honor of military 
achievements, until greatness and even goodness have 
become associated in our minds with military renown. 
And the preference which the female sex have always 
manifested towards the military profession, has co-ope¬ 
rated with the other causes in perpetuating the spirit of 
war. 

These causes ought, as far as possible, to be removed, 
and their effects counteracted. We call therefore upon 
all instructors of youth, to instil correct sentiments on 
this subject into the minds of their pupils. It is in the 
power of all who preside over our common schools and 
academies, to make an early and lasting impression; but 
a peculiar responsibility rests on the teachers in our 
colleges, universities, and theological seminaries. The 
sentiments there imbibed, manifest themselves in imme¬ 
diate action upon other minds, and thus produce not on¬ 
ly extensive, but immediate effects. We call upon sab¬ 
bath school teachers and ministers of the Gospel to bring 
out the spirit and truths of the New Testament on this 
subject. The ambassadors of the “Prince of peace” 
have sometimes taken up arms, and have often so preach¬ 
ed the “ Gospel of peace,” as to foster a military spirit. 
Let them not only put up again the sword into its place, 
but hold up to their people the example of Him who 
returned only good for evil, for their imitation on this, 
-as well as any other subject; and let them give to this 


21 


part of his example and his instructions that prominence 
which it evidently holds in the New Testament. We 
call upon the writers and compilers of books for com¬ 
mon and sabbath schools, and the conductors of the pe¬ 
riodical, and especially the religious press, to exert their 
influence in correcting public feeling and sentiment on 
this subject. We call upon the daughters of America* 
and particularly upon the daughters of Zion, to turn off 
their eyes from beholding vanity , and prefer to a splen¬ 
did uniform a meek and quiet spirit , which is in the sight 
of God of great price. And we call upon every pa¬ 
rent, every Christian, every patriot, and every friend of 
man, to combine and extend their influence in favor of 
peace, until every one shall sit under his vine and fig- 
tree without any to molest or make afraid. 

If all the friends of peace will unite, it is perfectly 
easy to correct public sentiment on this subject. There 
is no topic, on which the Scriptures more abound in 
plain and positive commands, or in noble and lovely ex¬ 
amples, than on the manner in which we are to treat 
our enemies. And there is no class of precepts, or 
examples, which more powerfully commend themselves 
to the understanding and the consciences of men. No¬ 
thing can be plainer, or more evidently right, than the 
declaration of our Saviour, “ If ye forgive not men their 
trespasses , neither will your Father forgive your trespass¬ 
es ” With what measure ye mete, it shall be measured 
to you again. Wherever public attention is turned to 
tins subject, conviction is the almost inevitable conse¬ 
quence. 1 have never known but one individual attempt 
to justify violence in self-defence by the New Testa¬ 
ment; and his only authority was the example of Peter 
in cutting off the ear of Malchus! Let any one read 
this last, clearest revelation from heaven, with special 
reference to this matter, and he will find overwhelming 
proof, without the least particle of countervailing evi¬ 
dence, that violence, for any purpose, is rebellion against 


22 


the most numerous and explicit laws of the “King of 
kings and Lord of lords.” 

It must be manifest to every careful observer of the 
signs of the times, that the friends of peace have now 
much reason to thank God and take courage. Many 
circumstances unite to inspire them with joyful antici¬ 
pations. There is a growing aversion to war among the 
rulers of nations, and arbitration is more frequently re¬ 
sorted to, than formerly, for the settlement of national 
disputes. Two sovereigns of Europe, the kings of Prus¬ 
sia and France, have* testified their lively interest in the 
success of the “Universal Peace Society” at Geneva, and 
their ardent desire to co-operate with it by the acts of their 
foreign policy. And in our country an important change 
has taken place in public opinion on the militia system; 
and military honors and titles are falling into disrepute. 

But the most auspicious circumstance is the great and 
rapid change which is now taking place in the sentiments 
. and feelings of Christians, particularly in our country, in 
relation to what the Gospel requires of its professors. 
Many of the old and long established opinions, profess¬ 
edly derived from the Scriptures, but modified by pre¬ 
vailing views of expediency, are giving place to others 
of greater simplicity and purity. There is an increas¬ 
ing disposition to go directly to the Bible, and derive 
every sentiment and every rule of action from that source 
alone. Thus the standard of Christian character is al¬ 
ready greatly elevated, and is continually rising. Many 
practices which have long been approved, or have pass¬ 
ed unnoticed in the bosom of the church, perhaps in the 
lives of some that were esteemed its brightest ornaments, 
are now abandoned as inconsistent with Christian char¬ 
acter. There is a constant approach towards that holy 
love, disinterested action, and sacrifice of self, which 
were so conspicuous in our Saviour’s example, and must 
adorn the church before the millennial glory can arrive. 
The effects of this change are manifest in all the great 
movements of the present age, preparatory to the exe- 


23 


cution of our Saviour’s command, “ Go ye into all the 
world and preach my Gospel to every creature .” They 
are peculiarly manifest in the temperance reformation— 
in the exertions to promote the sanctification of the Sab¬ 
bath—in the sabbath school efforts—in the multiplica¬ 
tion of religious books for children and youth—in the 
introduction of the Bible for daily study into many high¬ 
er schools and colleges—and in the lively interest which 
Christians now feel in the progress of piety and holiness 
in other countries, and in their frequent interchange of 
expressions of sympathy and love for each other. Thus 
a bond of union is formed which must render them ex¬ 
tremely averse to meeting each other on the field of 
blood and slaughter. 

This great movement in the public mind towards a 
high and holy standard of duty, not only indicates the 
approach of some glorious event in the scheme of divine 
Providence, but must bring up to view the most lovely 
and sublime traits in the character of Christ and his 
apostles, and thus promote peace on earth, and good 
will to men. And the abolition of the slave trade, and 
the efforts made to discontinue privateering, show that 
this improvement in moral feeling is not confined to the 
Christian community, but is pervading all classes of peo¬ 
ple. The present then, is a favorable time for the friends 
of peace to arise, and make one united effort to enlight¬ 
en the public mind and correct public feeling on that 
subject. The interest that is beginning to be taken in 
it by many enlightened men in our country and in Eu¬ 
rope, is an omen for good, and ought to stimulate to 
greater exertions. As a means of increasing and ex¬ 
tending this interest, the establishment of Peace societies 
in all our cities and towns, and higher seminaries of 
learning, is of great importance. And by laying the 
subject before the government of our country, perhaps 
the moral influence of this nation may be brought to 
bear powerfully in favor of peace in all the acts of its 


24 


foreign policy, and the effects extend through all the na¬ 
tions of the earth. Our country has enjoyed in an em¬ 
inent degree the blessings of peace; and a peculiar re¬ 
sponsibility rests upon us to communicate these blessings 
to others. And while we earnestly exhort all men to 
be of one mind , and live in peace , let us fervently and 
continually pray, that the God of love and peace may 
be with them. 

































































